William Klotsch, born on November 12, 1819 in Schleswig, Saxony immigrated to America in 1847. He returned to Europe in 1849 to settle some business affairs, then returned and settled in the town of Fillmore in Washington County. He to came to Oshkosh in 1863 and opened a business dealing with leather and hides at 20 Main Street (corner of Main and Merritt). Around 1874 Klotsch switched from the leather and hide business to become a dealer in books, musical merchandise and stationary in the Same location on Main Street. He was a successful businessman and considered to be a “man of much means, and always willing to aid in any business or public enterprise that would benefit the place”. He died on December 22, 1875 at age 55 leaving behind a wife, two sons and two and two daughters. His wife Matilda continued to run the business on Main Street only for a short time longer after Mr. Klotsch’s passing. Mrs. Matilda Klotsch, age 86, died on November 29, 1909.
11.18.1875 Wm Klotsch Ad
Klotsch obit ODN 12.23.1875 P1, Col 5
Klotsch obit Oshkosh Times Dec 25, 1875
Matilda Klotsch ODN 11.30.1909